Behavior of polycarbonate armor: Influence of gamma irradiation

Abstract
Most materials, especially polymers, can, after exposure to environmental agents, degrade by chemical and physical processes and have their performance modified. The rate of degradation, slow or fast, which depends on the kind of agent, will influence the useful lifetime of the material. The increased use of the polymers in ballistic armor and the insufficient information about the influence of environmental degradation on the dynamic behavior show the need of additional studies. In the present work, using exposition to gamma radiation to accelerate degradation, the mechanical and ballistic behavior of a transparent laminate armor manufactured with polycarbonate plates was studied. The results are presented and discussed.